When Monster Trucks Attack

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Transformers have nothing on these beasts. Monument Circle became a haven for guttural noise of the mechanical kind today, as three monster trucks from this weekend’s show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds revved up their engines for all to see. On September 16-18, it’s an entirely different story: 4,000-plus 4-wheelers will descend upon the Fairgrounds.
 
Gaping passersby witnessed (and snapped mobile photos of) these huge trucks, including Chalkboard Chuck, an orange vehicle with a literal moniker: Fans can sign their names in chalk on its body. There’s also Star Marshal, its name in a font that might have the world’s top trademark protector, George Lucas, breathing down the owner’s neck soon. The Lucas Oil Stabilizer rounded out the trio, all pictured here. And the Circle Citizen hasn’t even mentioned Megasaurus yet. That dino-size truck had been corraled in a semi by the time he arrived on the scene today.
 
They’re all part of the (deep breath now) O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals presented by GEICO Powersports. Let’s tag it as the 4-Wheel Jamboree for short. “This is the state fair for gearheads,” says Matthew Louck, vice president of marketing and communications for FamilyEvents.com.
 
Oh, that’s right: It’s a family event. Kids are quite welcome. Kid KJ, one of the drivers, is just that himself, an 8-year-old monster-truck enthusiast who drives Monster Bear, a half-size version of these other wreckers.
 
The 4-Wheel Jamboree is this weekend, with a burnout competition, mud drag racing, a show-and-shine event, national manufacturers showing off new products, and more. If this is your scene, and it is for a good many folks, come out and get some. Whatever that means for you.